While the weather might be starting to show some glimpses of spring and summer, it’s still a bit too cold for the outdoor public pools. But hitting the pool doesn’t have to end just because the weather is cold. Toledo has some great indoor swimming options!
The University of Toledo Aquatic Center
2800 East Rocket Dr.
419-530-3719
The University of Toledo’s Aquatic Center offers three pools for both exercise and fun. The lap pool is open regularly, with specific hours and the number of lanes available changing daily. The latest updates can be found on their website.
The UT pool is a great option for those wanting to stay in shape during the winter, or for those just wanting to practice their swimming skills. This season the leisure pool is closed, but if you’re interested in a party or celebration, the pool can be rented out. The application for renting out the pool is located on the website.
The Aquatic Center also has a dive pool, but that pool is also closed at this time. For those interested in swim instruction, the center offers swim classes to children as young as six months old, as well as to adults with all ability levels.
YMCA of Greater Toledo
Various locations
The YMCA of Greater Toledo has multiple branches with aquatic centers, including Eastern Community, Fort Meigs, West Toledo and Wolf Creek. Each location offers swim lessons for preschool-aged kids, school-aged kids, and teens/adults. Additionally, parent/child swim lessons are offered where parents can introduce their 6-36 month-olds to swimming. Private lessons are also available at all four locations.
In addition to swim lessons, the YMCA has water fitness classes for individuals of all ages. They are led by YMCA-certified water fitness instructors. For those interested in more competitive water activities, the YMCA has a swim team for swimmers 5-21 years old and competes in the Great Lakes YMCA Zone Conference, which includes YMCA teams and USA teams in Northwest Ohio.
Swim teams are offered at the Fort Meigs YMCA and Wolf Creek YMCA, as well as the Francis Family and Frank and Shirley Dick Family YMCA (both located in Michigan). Prices at the YMCA vary depending on the activity and age, but the aquatic activities are offered to members and non-members alike. Non-members typically will pay a higher fee for participation.
SafeSplash Swim School
Various locations
With multiple time slots for swim lessons throughout the whole week, SafeSplash Swim School is a great option for burgeoning swimmers. The school focuses on water safety with an approach that emphasizes proper swimming technique, but with a healthy dose of fun.
All instructors are SafeSplash Certified and class sizes are small, allowing for more individualized attention. All age and ability levels are welcome, and there are specific classes to fit all needs. Private lessons are also available for those interested. Additionally, swim lessons for all abilities are offered, during which a team of certified instructors work with students with specialized needs to help them learn water safety skills and how to swim. It is encouraged, for these swim lessons, to meet with the instructors prior to the lessons in order for goals to be discussed so that a teaching plan can be developed to fit the each student’s needs.
Great Wolf Lodge
4600 Milan Rd., Sandusky
800-641-9653
Looking for a fun family outing? Great Wolf Lodge is a great place for a weekend or day trip. This indoor water park is only about an hour or two drive from the Toledo area, and it is a great way to spend a cold winter day. At a constant 84 degrees, this park will make it feel like summer has hit already.
The park includes water slides, a lazy river, a basketball hoop, water playgrounds for toddlers and young children, a water fort treehouse and an adults only hot tub. The water park is attached to a hotel, so you can stay for the weekend, or since Great Wolf Lodge is so close to Toledo, you can also buy day passes which are good for a full day or half the day.
Passes are free for children two and under, and life jackets are also available free of charge. Costs for day passes vary depending on which day of the week you’re going.
Kalahari
7000 Kalahari Dr., Sandusky
419-433-7200
A great way to spend a winter day is taking a day-trip or weekend trip to an indoor waterpark. Kalahari is a quick drive from Toledo, but a visit there will seem like you’re on vacation in a whole new location. This hotel and waterpark offers a lot of family fun including slides, rides, a lazy river, a surfing simulator, indoor spas, a basketball pool and so much more. If you choose to stay for the weekend, you can also enjoy all the additional attractions other than the waterpark, like a game room, a safari adventures animal park, laser tag, escape rooms, mini-golf, virtual reality and a 7-D motion theater. Prices vary depending on when you choose to go and how long you stay.
